Our Opinion: Lawmakers burn public with exemption

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Smoking remains on the list of rules that apply to almost everyone except elected lawmakers.

Most private and public employees — including state workers — must walk outdoors during breaks to smoke. The smoke break may be accompanied by rain, sleet, snow, rain or whatever inclement element may be in play that day.

Employees in the Capitol may take advantage of an indoor, designated smoking area in the northeast portion of the basement garage.

Senators and representatives, however, need not leave the cozy confines of their offices, where they determine the smoking policy.

We find this arrangement inequitable.

Both the Senate and House, to their credit, prohibit smoking in their respective chambers and galleries.

House members recently voted to continue the exemption for their offices, a policy also shared by senators.

We encourage reconsideration of this policy.

The public justifiably is resentful when lawmakers — whether local, state or federal — enact or exempt themselves from policies that apply to the general public.

Adding fuel to the rancor caused by this elitist attitude is that smoking has become a matter of public policy.

To advance public health, governments have adopted smoking regulations and prohibitions.

In the interest of equity, lawmakers deserve to follow they same rules they promulgate.

We urge legislators to set an example. Eliminate smoking in the Capitol.

More like this story

JCLifer 2 years, 3 months ago

Do as they say, not as they do.

JCsleeper 2 years, 3 months ago

Laws, rules and regulations are only for the serfs and peasants, not for the ruling class.

MK 2 years, 3 months ago

It would have been great if this piece would have listed every lawmaker who approved of this special and elistist smelling exception. Publicizing the names may have helped this one hit home. Then the pubic could see everyone by name who feels they are more entitled, more special and above those that have been voting for them. Without naming those who stick their noses in the air and scoff at their fellow citizens, the criticism will have little effect.

jeffcitygirl 2 years, 3 months ago

It's their office...if they like smelling their own smoke and whoever works for them doesn't mind then really who cares as long as it's confined to their office. There are walls and doors for a reason.

MK 2 years, 3 months ago

And what happens if someone who works with them does mind? I really wouldn't have a problem with it if they didn't get on their soapbox, look down upon others in similar situations and forbid them by law from doing the same damn thing.

wcywing 2 years, 3 months ago

the lawmakers obviosly did not vote for the smoking ban in JC. too bad private businesses could not choose how to run their business.

Sipowitz 2 years, 3 months ago

Since its not THEIR office, its OUR office that they currently occupy, its hardly ok. This policy has been in place for years so those that exempted the legislature are likely long gone. Smoking is horrible on equipment and the building itself. Since we pay for all that, their exemption is unreasonable. That said, nothing will change. Instead, we'll debate what the state bug is or something equally critical. If they feel the need to exempt themselves from a new law, that should be the first clue it either shouldn't pass or it needs to apply to everyone. Wonder why legislators get a bad rap? Ladies and gentlemen; Exhibit "A".

JCLifer 2 years, 3 months ago

Kind of ironic that they allow themselves to smoke in a public building, but they demand motorcyclists be forced to wear helmets.

wow 2 years, 3 months ago

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